In wake of the recent major thunderstorms that rolled through
the state, Attorney General Joseph J. Curran, Jr. warns Marylanders
to be wary of home repair scams and other consumer fraud that often
follows these types of storms.

Many citizens are faced with major damage to their
homes due to the storms that ravaged the area. This is an opportune
time for
con artists to strike. “Unfortunately, scam artists try to
take advantage of those who have been affected by storm damage
and other disasters,” Curran said. “They often travel
from state to state looking for victims of storms.”

Curran reminds Marylanders whose homes have been damaged from
the storms that they should take caution and avoid offers from
contractors who solicit door-to-door, especially those contractors
who want payment up-front or pressure homeowners to make an immediate
decision.

Curran advises homeowners to:

•
Check to see if a contractor is licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement
Commission by calling (410) 230-6309. Consumers can also ask the
Commission about the contractor’s complaint history

• Only deal with contractors who have an established business

Curran also advises consumers to be aware of phony
relief efforts--solicitors who use the name of an organization
similar to a well-known charitable
organization. Consumers can check that a charity is registered
with the state, as required, by calling the Maryland Secretary
of State’s Charities Division at (410) 974-5534 or 1-800-825-4510.
Curran advises consumers to avoid making cash donations and to
make checks payable to the organization, not the individual soliciting.

For more information on these types of scams go
to Attorney General Curran’s website, www.oag.state.md.us
and click on Consumer Protection for more information on home
repair rip-offs.